Pilsen

Why we love it

Rich in Hispanic culture, Pilsen is a neighborhood that overflows with music, art, culinary tradition, and nightlife. It’s home to award-winning restaurants, iconic music venues, and sensational murals as far as the eye can see. Maybe that’s why it was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Forbes.

Explore like a local

• Pilsen is filled with independent Latino-owned coffee shops — start your day at Cafe Jumping Bean, Anticonquista Cafe, or A Cup of Joe.
• Sip margaritas on the lively patio at La Vaca, then satisfy your sweet tooth with gorditas dulces at Panadería Nuevo León.
• Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Pilsen, when Harrison Park is filled with colorful ofrendas, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Insider tips

Pilsen is a haven for offbeat boutiques, hip eateries, and cool music venues that stand alongside cozy cafes, panaderias, and family-owned restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Much of the action centers around 18th Street, named one of the coolest streets in the world.

The first thing you’ll notice about Pilsen is the colorful street art. The buildings are covered in massive paintings and mosaics that pay homage to the neighborhood’s Hispanic roots. Take a stroll around the neighborhood to soak it all in, particularly the 16th Street Murals.

The neighborhood’s thriving creative scene has also made it a long-time home for artist studios and galleries. Explore the area’s many spaces featuring local artists, such as Pilsen Arts and Community House, a local gallery focused on community and accessibility.

And don’t miss the National Museum of Mexican Art while you’re in the neighborhood. This free museum immerses visitors in Mexican culture through a stunning collection of textiles, folk art, prints, photos, and more.

Pilsen is also home to a diverse dining scene, known for everything from authentic taquerias to acclaimed fine dining. Dig into modern versions of family recipes at award-winning HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, feast on Mexican staples at 5 Rabanitos, and savor slow-cooked tacos at family-owned Carnitas Uruapan.

And you can’t leave the neighborhood without exploring one of the city’s most beloved music venues, Thalia Hall, where you can catch indie rockers, famed comedians, and live DJs in a striking space modeled after the Prague Opera House. The venue shares a historic building with Mariscos San Pedro (upscale Mexican seafood), Punch House (’70s vibes and large-format drinks), and Tack Room (live piano music in the building’s former carriage house).

Dive deeper into Chicago’s rich Hispanic culture or explore nearby neighborhoods like Bridgeport and Little Village.